This design is one we hold in our archive in various different versions, from a very large paper design to a very fine needlepoint bag front. The design has often been supplied with blue ribbons, as here, but with other colours as well.

Mary Queen of Scots was a renowned needlewoman and versions of this design, worked by her, are at Hardwick and Oxburgh Halls. The motifs in the design are the Lily of France, of which she was Queen, the Thistle of Scotland, of which she was Queen and the Rose of England, of which though she was not Queen her son James became King.

Mary had an ill fated meeting here at Wemyss ..... it was while staying at the Castle that she first met her future husband Lord Darnley.

The design here is in stranded cottons with a wool background, the kit is also available as Mary Queen of Scots - Large. The design is exactly the same but is worked on an 13hpi canvas in wools.